2025 Prado: Striking Design Turns Heads, But Its Diesel Stirs Debate in the Desert!

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s most successful large, multipurpose SUVs—especially in places like Australia and the Middle East, where it has become a symbol of strength and reliability in the face of tough landscapes and climates. For 2025, Toyota delivers a dramatic overhaul, offering a modernized design inside and out and plenty of tech advancements, yet the choice to stick with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel may upset the balance between luxury and muscle. Do the high-tech updates keep the Prado at the top of the family adventure game, or have rivals become more tempting under the hood?

The Al-Nuaimi Family’s Journey—Between Tradition and Modern Demands

One hot Australian summer, patriarch Abu Faisal prepares for a family adventure across dunes and wide brown land. The new Prado’s nostalgic 70-Series-inspired looks win him over, convincing him that trips will be smoother and safer thanks to the latest smart features. He heads off with high hopes, but as the steep mountain roads test its limits, he wonders: can mechanical power be traded for efficiency and comfort, or is it time for more drastic modern updates under the Prado hood?

Key Specs Overview

• Platform: TNGA-F (shared with LC300)

• Length: 4,990 mm

• Width: 1,980 mm

• Height: 1,935 mm

• Curb Weight: 2,570 kg

• Seating: 5 or 7 passengers

• Max towing: 3,500 kg

Engine & Drivetrain

• 2.8L turbo diesel inline-four, 201 hp and 500 Nm torque

• 48V mild-hybrid for extra efficiency and smoothness

• 8-speed automatic transmission

• 0–100 km/h: approx. 11 seconds

• Full-time AWD with center locking diff and low range

• Multiple drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Custom

Cabin & Amenities

• Twin 12.3-inch digital displays (cluster & infotainment)

• Manual climate controls and circular air vents

• Console cooling compartment and wireless charging

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Leather trim, several interior colors available

• Improved comfort, but third-row seating limited by the hybrid battery beneath the floor

• Boot space: ranges 182–906 liters (depending on seat position)

Performance and Real-World Experience

• Smooth, stable ride with AVS adaptive suspension (VX and Kakadu trims)

• Electric steering for easy low-speed maneuvers, but somewhat numb and isolated

• Modern brakes and responsive shifting with the 8-speed

• Strong towing and versatile family use

Strengths

• Heritage-meets-modern styling, inspired by classic Land Cruiser DNA

• Huge step-up in cabin quality and tech vs previous Prado

• Famous Japanese build quality and dependability

• Reasonable fuel economy for size

• Great safety and family convenience

• Strong value when compared to Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest

Weaknesses and Trade-Offs

• Four-cylinder diesel lacks punch compared to rivals (LC300, Ford Everest V6)

• Slower acceleration and less torque in tough conditions

• Third-row space tight due to battery placement

• Basic infotainment system—not as premium as some competitors

• Top trims are priced close to larger, more powerful SUVs

Prado vs. Key Rivals

with an old-school diesel remains controversial between those seeking more brute muscle and fans of Japanese efficiency and reliability. As the power and hybrid game heats up, the Prado may well need mechanical upgrades to keep its crown—yet in the deserts of Australia and the Gulf, its reputation for safety, stature, and trustworthiness keeps the legend alive for families chasing adventure.